Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

The key to maximum flavor is seasoning the chicken generously and letting it rest before slicing it over the cool greens. This technique ensures every component of your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy. I learned this simple truth not in a fancy kitchen, but at a backyard picnic years ago, watching my aunt pull a platter of warm, herb-rubbed chicken from the cooler to crown a mountain of fresh spinach and berries. It was a revelation—a dinner that felt celebratory yet came together without any fuss.

That’s the spirit of this recipe. When the days get longer and the farmer’s markets burst with color, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken becomes my ultimate summer meal. It’s the answer to those nights when you want something vibrant and nourishing but don’t want to heat up the kitchen for hours. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy—a complete dinner that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for quick spring dinner ideas or a centerpiece for a weekend gathering, this salad delivers. It’s comfort food, made easy, with ingredients that taste like sunshine.

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Ingredients List for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is built on a foundation of simple, high-quality ingredients that sing together. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this spring dinner menu idea to life.

For the Salad:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Protein: Leftover grilled chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken are fantastic shortcuts. For a vegetarian version, chickpeas or grilled halloumi are wonderful.
• Cheese: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese, salty ricotta salata, or omit for dairy-free.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts make great alternatives to almonds.
• Greens: Arugula or a spring mix can stand in for spinach.
• Dressing: For a creamier poppyseed dressing vibe, whisk in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt.

Timing for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

This is one of those brilliant spring time dinner ideas that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (mostly hands-off for the chicken)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s nearly 50% faster than many traditional cooked dinners, giving you more time to enjoy the evening.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a flawless Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken every time.

1. Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear. Drizzle with olive oil and rub on both sides with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is the pro tip! Resting lets the juices redistribute so your chicken stays incredibly moist in the salad.

2. Make the Dressing
While the chicken cooks, make your vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is beautifully emulsified—thick and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning. This dressing is the tangy-sweet glue that brings the entire Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken together.

3. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl or platter, spread out the fresh baby spinach. Scatter the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds for that essential crunch.

4. Slice and Serve
After the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange the warm chicken over the salad. Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette over everything. I like to serve the extra dressing on the side. Give the salad a gentle toss at the table to combine all the glorious flavors and textures.

Nutritional Information

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is a nutrient-packed meal. A generous serving provides approximately:

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 35g (excellent for staying full)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 25g (mostly heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)
• Fiber: 5g

It’s rich in Vitamin C from strawberries, iron and Vitamin K from spinach, and lean protein from chicken. Using a homemade dressing lets you control the sugar and quality of oils, making this a genuinely wholesome choice among spring food ideas dinner.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken. A regular kitchen setup is perfect:

• A large skillet or grill pan
• A cutting board and sharp knife
• A small bowl or jar for making the dressing
• A large serving bowl or platter
• Measuring spoons and cups

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

1. It’s a Complete Meal in a Bowl: Protein, healthy fats, and vibrant veggies all in one dish. No need for complicated sides.
2. Perfect for Warmer Days: It’s light, refreshing, and requires minimal oven use. A top contender for your spring dinner menu ideas.
3. Endlessly Adaptable: See the section below for easy swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or higher in protein.
4. Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the chicken, wash the greens, and make the dressing ahead of time for effortless assembly.
5. The Flavor Balance is Magic: The sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic, salty feta, and savory chicken create a symphony in every bite.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is already quite healthy, but here are easy tweaks:

• Lower Carb: Reduce the honey in the dressing by half or use a sugar-free substitute. You can also increase the chicken and spinach portions.
• Higher Protein: Add an extra 4 oz of chicken or sprinkle with a handful of shelled edamame.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The salad is still fantastic without it.
• Paleo/Whole30: Omit the cheese and honey. Use a compliant balsamic vinegar and sweeten the dressing with a date paste or leave it out for a sharper tang.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A warm, crusty baguette or a side of my Best Orzo Dinner Recipe for a more substantial feast.
• A glass of crisp rosé or sparkling water with lemon.
• For a heartier spread, serve it alongside other simple proteins like the Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice Recipe.

Presentation Tip: For a stunning family-style presentation, layer the ingredients decoratively on a large platter instead of tossing them. Place the sliced chicken in the center, surrounded by mounds of strawberries, onions, and feta, with the spinach as a base. Let everyone admire it before tossing with dressing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Chicken Rest: Slicing the chicken immediately lets all the precious juices run out, leading to dry meat in your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken. Always let it rest.
2. Soggy Salad: Dress the salad just before serving. If prepping components ahead, store the dressing separately and keep the washed spinach very dry.
3. Forgetting to Toast the Nuts: Toasting almonds (or any nut) in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes until fragrant unlocks their flavor and adds a crucial layer of depth and crunch. Don’t skip this simple step.
4. Thick Onion Slices: Red onion can be pungent. Slice it as thinly as possible, or for a milder flavor, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry before adding to the salad.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Leftovers: Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The dressed salad is best eaten immediately, but leftovers will keep for 1 day—the spinach will wilt, but it will still taste good.
• Meal Prep: Cook and slice the chicken, wash and dry the spinach, and make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store each component separately. Slice the strawberries the day of serving for the freshest taste.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled salad. However, you can freeze the cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. For more great chicken prep ideas, check out my essential Chicken Breast Recipe guide.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a formula for a happy, healthy, and delicious meal. It captures the essence of spring and summer on a plate—bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying without any complicated techniques. It proves that with a few good ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, you can create something truly special. It’s the kind of spring time dinner idea you’ll return to again and again, whether for a quiet weeknight or a festive gathering with friends.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s food that feels like home, wherever you are. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken in easy, flavorful bowls, try my Healthy Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl or the versatile Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you add any fun twists? Let me know how your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken turned out in the comments below. And if you share a photo, don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creation.

FAQs about Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

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